The Brazilian team is watching with excitement the penalty shoot-out against Croatia. Image: www.imago-images.de / imago images
World Cup 2022
The Brazilian National team has been waiting for the next world title for 20 years now. Most recently, the Seleção won in Yokohama in 2002 in the final against Germany (2-0) a World Cup. Back then, the superstars were still called Ronaldo, Rivaldo or Roberto Carlos.
It has been clear since Friday evening that Neymar and Co. will have to wait at least another four years. In the quarter-finals against Croatia (3:5) it was a penalty shoot-out. And it was precisely the tactics in the penalty shoot-out that were irritating. Superstar Neymar didn’t even get to shoot from the point. He was scheduled as the fifth goalscorer. Because Marquinhos and Rodrygo had previously missed their penalties, Neymar was no longer allowed to compete.
Jürgen Klinsmann is working as an expert for the BBC during the World Cup in Qatar.Image: ZB / Soeren Stache
This tactic surprised DFB legend Jürgen Klinsmann. On BBC Sport, the 58-year-old said: “It used to be said that the best penalty taker sets the tone. For me, Neymar should have taken the first penalty, you set the tone.”
At the same time, however, Klinsmann also warned that the Brazilian players would be under enormous pressure: “The whole nation expects you to make it and you panic. You’re a lot more nervous because you don’t have time to find your inner balance Find.”
Neymar in particular was disappointed after the penalty shoot-out and had to be comforted by teammate Dani Alves while sitting on the ground. Later, Brazil coach Tite announced that he would not renew the contract that expires at the end of the year: “The cycle is over. We shouldn’t make a drama out of it. I announced it for a long time. There are enough people who can replace me.”
Brazil coach Tite resigns, Neymar leaves future open
At the same time, Tite explained why Neymar should only start as the fifth shooter: “The fifth penalty is crucial, that’s where the pressure is greatest. That’s why the player with the best quality should play.” But because his teammates missed, Neymar didn’t even get a turn.
So Tite resigned, but what about Neymar now? The player from Paris St. Germain is now 30 years old. At the next World Cup in Canada in 2026 United States and Mexico he could certainly still play. In the catacombs, Neymar said after the quarter-final elimination: “It’s very early to talk about it. I’m still too upset. I don’t close the door to the Seleção. But I also don’t guarantee 100 percent that I will return.”
He has to think about what is good for him and what is good for the national team. But currently the disappointment would still be too great.